Efe Scores, Ready For Celtic Shirt War

Efe Scores, Ready For Celtic Shirt War

about 3 hours ago

Nigerian international Efe Ambrose scored Celtic's opener in their 2-0 home win as the Hoops eased past Cliftonville to secure a Champions League third qualifying round tie against Elfsborg Tuesday night.

The former Ashdod defender headed home Anthony Stokes cross in the 16th minute of the encounter before Georgios Samaras headed in the second to hand Celtic a 5-0 aggregate win.

Meanwhile, Ambrose says he is ready for an expected battle for starting shirt after seeing Celtic boss,Neil Lennon bring in two more defenders and a striker with the promise of even more to come. Efe reckons the arrival of Virgil van Dijk, Steven Mouyokolo and Amido Balde means only two things – the squad will be even stronger for another assault on prizes at home and in Europe and the competition for places will force everyone to up their game for a starting place.

Recognising how tough it might be to regain a place, with the likes of Joe Ledley, Adam Matthews and Charlie Mulgrew close to rejoining the battle for jerseys, Ambrose said: "Football is challenging. It's why we have more than 22 players here.

"And it's why you have to keep yourself in good shape and keep proving to the manager you are ready to play and have the hunger to play.

"Without a challenge, you can never be a better player, and that's what we all want to be.

"So it's good that we have brought in players like Virgil and Steven.

"It means that as a defender you have to work harder to prove yourself. You know that if you don't do well then there is someone here to take your place.

"I am ready to face that challenge and prove myself every time I play. I like that pressure." ------------------------- complete sports